Meet The UVA Team

 Dr. Tara Hofkens is our Principal Investigators. With a PhD in Learning Science and Policy and an M.S. in Applied Developmental Psychology, Dr. Hofkens applies her expertise as a Research Assistant Professor at UVA to study the dynamics of engagement and social interactions in school, and how classroom experiences contribute to developmental and educational trajectories from early childhood through adolescence.

One of our Principal Investigators, Bob Pianta, is the founding director of the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning at UVA, among many other titles. An internationally recognized expert in both early childhood education and K-12 teaching and learning, Dr. Pianta's research and policy interests focus on the intersection of education and human development. His work has advanced conceptualization and measurement of teacher-student relationships.

Karime is the APL project manager at the Virginia site. She has an M.Ed. in educational psychology and developmental applied science from the University of Virginia. Karime works at the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, where she has gained valuable experience managing large scale research projects on children’s curiosity and creativity, teacher and children SEL. In her role she collaborates with and supports teachers, coaches, and the research team. 

As one of our coaches, Jen serves as an Education and Outreach Manager at UVA's School of Education and Human Development. Jen has been an educator for over 20 years and is excited to share APL with elementary school teachers. She especially enjoys working with diverse groups of learners and developing classroom strategies to promote student collaboration, individual growth, and a lasting love of learning.

Kat has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and over 10 years of experience teaching, mentoring, and coaching in Northern Virginia. In her time in Fairfax and Prince William counties, she has worked in a variety of communities with wide ranges of strengths and needs. Kat joins the APL team with extensive experience accelerating the growth of learners through collaborative and culturally responsive teaching. She believes in a strengths-based approach to foster a joy for learning in the students and teachers she supports. 

With over 10 years of teaching, Karen has extensive experience as a Special Education teacher working with students to support their academic and social skills development. Karen excels in creating a multi-sensory, language-based classroom, incorporating visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic support. Her high-impact instructional strategies cater to individual learning needs. She fosters a nurturing, positive, safe, and respectful student-centered environment, ensuring success for all students. 

Armita is a recent graduate from George Mason University, with a B.S in Psychology with Honors. During her time in university, she completed a psychology honors thesis on the study of executive functioning and how it impacts behavioral outcomes for children. As a Research Assistant at APL, she is hoping to contribute her positive energy and willingness to learn. Armita is incredibly excited to help support APL's mission to help children grow through more positive learning experiences!

Konstantin recently completed his Master of Public Policy at the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, building on dual B.A. degrees in Foreign Affairs and Economics. He brings experience from the Hudson Institute’s Center for Political-Military Analysis and the Miller Center of Public Affairs, where he focused on research, analysis, and program development. His background in quantitative analysis and leadership supports APL’s mission of creating active and meaningful learning environments that empower both teachers and students.

Hannah earned her Master’s in Elementary Curriculum Development from George Mason University, after completing a B.S. in Integrative Studies with minors in Childhood Studies and Human Development. She has taught and interned abroad in South Korea, working with middle school students and government employees preparing to transition to the United States, and in Cambridge, UK, where she supported a Year 1 classroom. Hannah is excited to support APL’s mission by bringing positivity, patience, and a calming, nurturing presence to her work, creating supportive learning environments where both teachers and students can thrive and grow.

Jane is our Intermediate Administrative Coordinator supporting all administrative tasks associated with the project. She has a B.S. In Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.B.A. from the University of Texas-Austin. Jane had four years of experience working with cognitive research in college. Prior to APL, Jane was a project lead in Virginia Beach, while being a classroom observer and data collector. She brings different perspectives to the role. Jane especially enjoys building partnerships between schools, administrators, staff and students.

Marina is a public policy PhD student at George Mason University. She holds a MPP from American University and a BA in Anthropology from SUNY Stony Brook University. Her research focuses on transportation and innovation. Previously she worked as a policy analyst and a survey researcher. She is excited to bring her education and experience to support APL’s mission.